For La Grange it has been better to lose a game or two early and then peak in the playoffs. The 1999 season La Grange went 10-0 with Tye Gunn at Qb and a host of talented players. They won the first round against a 4-6 Caldwell team then had a bad game against a tough Robinson team and lost 28-14 in round two. In the next two years they lost to Bay City in the season openners (2000 & 2001 ) Gonzales in 2000 and Sealy and Bellville in 2001. This year they lost the openner to Yoakum. Now they are beginning to reach their peak in terms of balancing offense with defense. The defense came along first as usual for the Leps, but the offense has shown real strength and versatility the last few games. As I see it the early loss sort of takes the pressure of the team. They don't need to worry about the polls as they get little attention after a loss, and the 'undefeated' mantle doesn't weigh them down going into the tough games in play-offs. Sure it is best for a team to win 15 or 16 games but if you have to lose one it is best to get it out of your system early. The best example this year of a team that is peaking at the right time is Cuero. They lost four straight yet they are playing like a contender now. IMHO